I began my trip by flying First Class from San Diego to San Francisco via United Air Lines. There may be a better way to go, but I can't think of one. The service was great, the flight was uneventful (which is how I like my flights), and everything was on time. Of course I was not offered a meal, only a small bag of pretzels and a soda, but for an hour long flight, that seemed appropriate.
I always enjoy flying into San Francisco. People watching is a funny little habit of mine and San Fran certainly has an interesting mix of folks to watch.
I had already made arrangements for a rental car online with Budget so all I had to do was go pick it up and be on my way to my savvy little getaway in Tiburon, CA. I had done quite a bit of research on the available rental cars for type and price and other miscellaneous issues involved in renting cars, and decided upon Budget. Well, I think that most of the people arriving in San Fran that day had done the same research and come to the same conclusion and were standing in the same line waiting to pick up their rental car. Just my luck! What I did learn, while patiently awaiting my turn is that Budget offers a new system called FastBreak where you can reserve your car and drive away without any hassles. No paperwork, no waiting, no added expenses. Just fill out the enrollment form online and the next car you rent will be the easiest thing you've ever done while traveling.
We asked the rental agent the best way out of the airport to 101 North towards Tiburon. (The last time we tried to drive directly through downtown San Fran while following a map which didn't bother to tell us which roads were one way). We apparently like to learn things the hard way. The agent muttered something about a convertible only being an extra $15, would I like to upgrade?
No, I would not like to upgrade, what is the best way to 101 North? His answer was some sort of jibberish that sounded like 380 - 280 - 19th street. So that is exactly what we did, and amazingly enough, it worked. Golden Gate Bridge here we come.
BTW- the extra $15 is per day not total, so don't think they are offering you any kind of deal at the last minute.
Hi There Annie Ego! It's been a while since I've had time to stop by and say "Howdy"! Summertime Greetings from Tennessee! I LOVE the San Francisco area, especially heading north; the Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes... but I would surely like to try out Sea Ranch and Gualala. Thanks for sharing! Be great to hear from you sometime. When are you heading back east for another adventure in the Smoky Mountains? Take care, Fred
Posted by: Fred Elmendorf | 21 July 2008 at 19:59
Been pretty busy here too!! Thanks for stopping by. I will e-mail you this week and we can get caught up. Gualala is a nice place for little romantic getaway for you and wifey!
Posted by: Annie | 22 July 2008 at 10:16
Are we lazy, or what? This is the second time I return empty handed. Hope you are O.K.
Posted by: Unguided | 24 July 2008 at 12:29
Unguided - Thanks for the inspiration...I think!
Posted by: Annie | 25 July 2008 at 22:50